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In the world of cycling, as in many sports, an athlete might enthusiastically declare: “I changed coaches three months ago and it totally transformed me.” These words, though motivating, convey a misconception: that of a rapid, almost miraculous transformation. In reality, significant progress in cycling – and in sport in general – is not built in the blink of an eye. It is the result of structured, patient, and progressive work, often spanning months, even years. Instant results are a myth, and only consistency and good support lead to lasting performance.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: depositphotos.com
Progress: a matter of time and work
In cycling, progression is a slow and methodical process. Unlike some disciplines where rapid gains can be achieved through immediate technical adjustments, cycling requires gradual improvement in physical condition, technique, and strategy. According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences (2020), the physiological adaptations necessary to reach a competitive level in cycling, such as increased VO2 max or improved energy efficiency, require constant training cycles over several months, or even years (Hawley, J. A., & Burke, L. M. (2020). Peak Performance: Training and Nutritional Strategies for Sport. Journal of Sports Sciences).
The visible results today – better endurance, improved times, or a competition victory – are often the reflection of work started long before. This includes not only the hours spent on the bike, but also rest, nutrition, and recovery, which are equally crucial. As Dr. Stephen Cheung, a specialist in sports physiology, explains, “muscular and cardiovascular adaptations in cycling take time, as the body must adapt to repeated and progressive stresses” (Cheung, S. S. (2021). Cycling Science. Human Kinetics).
Thus, attributing a performance to a change of coach over three months is reductive: it ignores the foundations laid long before.
The role of the coach: building foundations, not miracles
A competent coach is a guide, not a magician. Their role is to structure training, identify weaknesses, and propose a plan adapted to the athlete’s goals. However, even the best coach in the world cannot transform a cyclist into a champion in a few weeks. As cycling coach Joe Friel emphasizes in his book The Cyclist’s Training Bible, “an effective training plan is based on periodization, meaning a methodical progression over several cycles, often over an entire year” (Friel, J. (2018). The Cyclist’s Training Bible. VeloPress).
A good coach builds solid foundations: they adjust the training load, ensure a balance between intensity and recovery, and help the athlete develop a mindset of perseverance. These foundations, though invisible at first, are essential for lasting results. Believing that a change of coach can revolutionize everything in three months is to misunderstand the reality of cycling, where progress is slow and plateaus are frequent.
Changing coaches: a matter of feeling, not immediate results
It is perfectly legitimate to change coaches if the relationship or method is not suitable. The feeling between an athlete and their coach is crucial, as trust and communication are at the heart of successful support. However, it is unrealistic to expect spectacular results immediately after this change. A new coach must first analyze the situation, understand the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, and adjust the training plan. This process takes time.
In an interview with Cycling Weekly (2023), professional coach Andrew Coggan explains: “A good coach can optimize an athlete’s potential, but it takes at least 6 to 12 months to see significant changes in performance, especially at a competitive level.” In cycling, where the season is punctuated by periods of preparation, competition, and recovery, patience is an indispensable virtue.
Why patience is key in cycling
Cycling is an endurance sport, and endurance is built over the long term. Examples of professional riders confirm this: athletes like Tadej Pogačar or Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, though exceptionally talented, took years to reach their full potential. Their success is based on a combination of natural talent, rigorous training, and stable coaching. If three months were enough to become the best, the role of long-term coaches would be superfluous, and competitions would lose their value.
In reality, rapid progress is often an illusion. An athlete may feel temporary improvement due to a new surge of motivation or a change in approach, but these gains are rarely lasting without continuous work. As the proverb says: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” In cycling, neither are victories.
Investing in the long term
If you shine on the bike today, it is the result of previous work, not a recent miracle. A coach can guide you, but they cannot circumvent the laws of physiology and time. So, the next time you hear someone attribute their success to a change of coach in three months, remember: true progress in cycling requires patience, perseverance, and a long-term commitment. Build your foundations, and the results will follow.
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